Part 2: Billy goes a'courting - Walking out with Mary
A year later, he was walking out with Mary Ireland.
Wednesday 29 January 1896
Went to Slinfold with Lane. Had a walk with M.I[1]. In the evening.
Saturday 1st February 1896
In the evening, called round London Road and later after missing
Bern had a nice walk with M.I. and S.C[2]. Never before experienced such a truth in
the old saying “Two’s company etc”.
London Road, Horsham, c.1890,
reproduced courtesy of West Sussex Past Pictures; Ref:
PP/WSL/P000980; Rep: West Sussex County Council Library
Service; Photo
credit.
Sunday 2nd February 1896
Handed over my “office” as Librarian to M.I. this afternoon. Chapel
again in evening and afterwards, instead of practice, had a most
enjoyable walk with M. Suited me far better than practice. Only
regret is to think it must be the last for a time[3]. Quite expect a little scandal will be
caused by the affair having been lucky enough to meet a few “news
agents”. For my part I’m totally indifferent. Rather sorry for M
who will have to bear it alone and I firmly believe she will do it
“manfully”.
Friday 7th February 1896
Wrote M.
Tuesday 11th February 1896
Wrote M.
Thursday 13th February
Letter from M and answered same.
Monday 17th February 1896
Wrote Mary.
Thursday 20th February 1896
Letter from M and answered same.
Saturday 22nd February 1896
Arrive at Horsham, [headed] to London Road, met Mary outside, had a
fine walk to Southwater and back via Denne Park, after having lost
our way en route.
Horsham from Denne Park, c.1904;
reproduced courtesy of West Sussex Past Pictures; Ref:
PP/WSL/PC004751; Rep: West Sussex County Council Library
Service.
Sunday 23rd February 1896
Chapel this morning. Afterwards a walk with Bern, Jenny and Mary.
After dinner, another walk with Frank, “Nan” (& M) round Tower
Hill and Donkeys Nest to Worthing Road by Bridle Path.
Worthing Road, Horsham, c.1913;
reproduced courtesy of West Sussex Past Pictures; Ref:
PP.WSL/PC004790; Rep: West Sussex County Council Library
Service.
Saw the commencement of the road making for the Stammerham
affair[4]. Back to tea with Frank and
“Nan” and instead of chapel this evening, Mary and I had another
short wander. Was almost persuaded to stay until tomorrow but not
quite. So after going home for goodbyes etc., left M in North
Street and caught the 8.05. “Dah tsrif ssik”.
Friday 28th February 1896
Wrote Mary.
Saturday 7th March 1896
Letter from Mary. Answered same.
Thursday 12th March 1896
Mary’s birthday (28th?). Sent her ½ dozen “wipes”, good wishes
etc.
Saturday 21st March 1896 (back in Horsham for the weekend)
Came on to rain in the evening so went with Mary to the last of a
series of dancing classes at the Granville Temperance Hotel. Poor
affair.
Sunday 22nd March 1896
To chapel again in the evening and a walk round Robin Hood Lane
with Mary, Bern and Jen V [Vinall].
Monday 6th April Bank Holiday 1896
Got up fairly early, called on Bern, and with him went round to
beat up a party for Leith Hill. Rather doubtful as to weather but
it turned out a treat. Caught 10.59 for Holmwood, paid a visit to
the White Hart for a drink and snack, then walked to Coldharbour.
Quite a nice little party: Bern and Annie, Arthur Vinall and Sue
paired for the day (the latter rather “cutting”) and Jennie Vinall
and Mary between them looked after me. Called on Mrs Groombridge
and arranged with her for tea then over the hill and common to
Tillingbourne Falls. Had a rest there then back to Broadmoor Tower.
Very rough walking or rather climbing. After inspecting the tower,
went along the hillside to Leith Hill but didn’t stay long as time
was getting on, so went back to Coldharbour to tea which Mrs
Groombridge provided in fine style. Feeling refreshed with the wash
and tea, had a stroll down the village and then walked leisurely to
the station having plenty of time. I think we all enjoyed that walk
as much as any part of the outing. Fortunately the weather kept
beautifully fine all day. Got to Horsham just before 8 p.m. Went
home to pack and say goodbye to Mother and the rest.
21st April
Had another letter from Mary at last, she having been a long time
answering my last two epistles. I had an idea that something was
wrong. I guessed right. Course of true love again. Still, I don’t
intend to leave this vale of tears by the aid of a razor or the
river, as the orthodox jilted swain should do. She (M) informs me
that we must not go on walks etc. alone again on account of such
proceedings being a favourite food for “gossips” (Bad luck to ‘em).
I [should] willingly forego the whole business rather than cast a
slur on Mary and poor Tom (is that the one and only reason?)
Whitsunday 24th May
Had a short stroll with Bern and EP[5] before Chapel. Being Anniversary Day,
service taken by Mr Daplyn of Norwich who preached a splendid
sermon. After service had a walk with the usual clique including M.
Quite a formal greeting from her as if nothing had happened –
women, lovely women!
- [1] Mary was the sister
of Sam Chris, a good friend of Bill. She had married Tom Ireland,
brother of Frank Ireland, a workmate of Billy’s at Sendall
Brothers. Tom died in 1893 and Mary moved back to live with her
brother Frank and his wife Anne (“Nan”) at 12 London Road
Horsham.
- [2] This probably
refers to Sam Chriss, Mary’s brother.
- [3] Billy was on his
way up to London to work on the Hampton Court renovations.
- [4] This is a reference
to the building site for Christ’s Hospital School.
- [5] Ernest Pearce,
brother of Annie Pearce.
Share this
page (third party services may set cookies)